Double shuttle weft replenishing loom



Dec. 4, 1951 w. R. HEWTON DOUBLE SHUTTLE WEFT REPLENISHING LOOM Filed June 7, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEY Dec. 4, 1951 w. R. HEWTON DOUBLE SHUTTLE WEFT REPLENISHING LOOM 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 7, 1947 Wm 0 m 7 4 w 0 M ATTORNEY I Dec. 4, 195] w. R. H'EWTON 2,577,419

DOUBLE SHUTTLE WEFT REPLENISHING LOOM Filed June '7, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 BY ULQJM ATTORNEY W. R. H EWTON DOUBLE SHUTTLE WEFT REPLENISHING 1 00M Dec. 4, 1951 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June '7, 1947 INVENTOR BY j ' ATTORN Dec. 4, 1951 w. R. HEWTON DOUBLE SHUTTLE WEF T REPLENISHING LOOM 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed June '7, 1947 Wax/14M z? HFWTfl/V INVENTOR BY W; W ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 4, 1951 DOUBLE SHUTTLE WEFT REPLENISHING LOOM William R. Hewton, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to Collins & Aikman Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Application June 7, 1947, Serial No. 753,211

42 Claims.

This invention relates to a novel method of and apparatus for facilitating the replenishment of the shuttles in multi-shuttle looms with a new or different supply of weft threads by means including selectively movable shuttle compartments on the replenishing side of the loom.

As will be understood, multi-shuttle or double shuttle looms are those in which the warp threads may be so manipulated as to form superposed weaving sheds through which shuttles simultaneously pass during weaving. After passing through the sheds, the shuttles are checked and returned to their original position. Woven fabrics including plural weft plain fabrics or pile fabrics are examples of products produced on this type of loom. A plurality of plain fabrics may be woven simultaneously.

More particularly, this invention is directed to a method of and apparatus for replenishing an exhausted or partly exhausted weft supply in the shuttles of double shuttle looms without stopping the loom. The method is adaptable for use on double shuttle loom operating'with shifting shuttle boxes and/or when pairs of shuttles are picked across the loom simultaneously from the same or opposite sides of the loom. The method of shuttle replenishment is such that it may be used with a wide variety of loom mechanisms and with a minimum of departure from conventional loom design in the cooperating structures.

For example, the shuttle may be vertically slotted for the transfer of weft packages or bobbins, they may be shaped to conform to the shape of the shed in accordance with modern practice. The checking, thread control, thread cutting, knocking off and picking mechanism may be of known and proven types of design.

. Prior efforts directed to double shuttle looms which automatically introduce weft into shuttles thread runs under the shuttle rather than out of the side of the shuttle in the conventional manner.

from weft breakage inthis design, This type Considerable difficulty was experienced 2 design is believed to have been abandoned many years ago.

Among the more recent attempts is that shown in Brooks Patent No. 2,140,893 wherein the bottom shuttle is drawn out from below an upper shuttle in order that the bottom shuttle may be replenished. This Brooks arrangement is of limited application in that it requires a complete replenishing mechanism on each side of the loom. It also requires a substantial spacing of the shuttles with the result that it can not be used on shifting shuttle box looms or for making short pile fabrics.

Additionally, a group of patents issued to Bird and Hewton, including Patent Nos. 2,111,526 and 2,136,331, contemplate the use of a single bobbin magazine and a long and short stroke transferrer which is used with cross picking shuttles. These developments are in commercial use and are capable of low pile operation. Difiiculty is experienced in applying this method of operation to looms in which it is desired to mix the filling for purposes of weft designs or for blending of wefts.

According to the present invention, the above limitations and difficulties are avoided by the provision of a method of transfer or refilling shuttles of double shuttle looms during weaving by selective operation of movable shuttle compartments on the replenishing side of the loom.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when selection of the compartments is provided for, a new supply of weft may be introduced into the shuttle which has not been moved from its normal weaving position. This feature. is advantageous from the point of view of simplicity of design as it permits the necessary weft end control mechanism, the cutting mechanism, transferrer arm stops and other loom parts to remain in and function in their, usual positions and without duplication of parts. It contemplates use on a loom with shifting shuttle boxes having four, six, or as many pairs of compartments as it is feasible to use. Also, it is a high speed design in that the transfer occurs when the shuttle is securely held in its normal checked position. Transfer need not be delayed until the shuttle has received an additional movement and has come to rest in a new position after movement.

Many features of the invention are not limited to the illustrated embodiment as the invention contemplates the selection of either of the two compartments prior to any movement, moving .change pairs of active shuttles.

3 the selected box and refilling a shuttle after selection and some movement of a compartment.

The present method contemplates a structure which by suitable control or governing means may operate with a cross pick arrangement or with a pair of shuttles which are picked simultaneously from one side of the loom. Also, as before stated, the side of the loom opposite to the replenishing side may carry shifting shuttle boxes, movable two compartments at a time to Or the shuttles may be retained at a fixed'elevation when it is desired to operate the loom with a single pair of shuttles. It will be seen that loom operation in accordance with the use of the present improvements is completely compatible with many forms of shuttle presenting means and affords flexibility in use. It may be used for a wide variation of weaves.

The illustrated embodiment is shown in connection with an overpick loom in which the spindle for the picker is directly over the shuttle compartments. It includes mechanism for withdrawing a portion of the picking mechanism when a shuttle is to be replenished in either of th selectively movable compartments. This avoids any interference with replenishing action. The movement of the picking spindle takes place only after the requirement for replenishment in one or the other compartment has been determined. The selective movement of the boxes occurs only on the replenishing stroke of the loom.

The movement of the picker spindle, while necessary to the operation of the illustrated embodiment, is not of basic importance to the broad inventive concept as it will readily be seen that a picker spindle may be positioned in an offset position with a projection picker in a known manner. Similarly, by a simple rearrangement of the selection mechanism and daggers an underpick arrangement may be used. The described embodiment is illustrative of and emphasizes the versatility of the selectively movable compartment arrangement. The number of operating parts are substantially less in the underpick arrangement as the mechanism for moving the picker spindle and for setting its dagger may be omitted or removed.

The illustrated embodiment is the more conventional horizontal type loom wherein the warp sheds assume a generally horizontal position. The box compartments of the invention are normally approximately superposed, and the replenishing movements of the bobbins are approximately vertical. Rearrangement of the position of the warp sheds as to a vertical position would, of course, require equivalent directional changes of parts to maintain their basic relationship.

An object of the invention is to provide a method of refilling the shuttles of multi-shuttle looms while the loom continues to operate.

Another object is to provide a method of operation of positioning shuttles for refilling which is flexible in application.

Another object is to provide a method involving the selection of shuttles for refilling and the selecting of shuttles for movement to facilitate refilling.

Another-object is to provide a method involving the selection of shuttles for replenishing and the selection of another shuttle for movement to facilitate the replenishment.

Another object is to provide a multi-shuttle loom in which superposed shuttle compartments are selectively moved relatively to one fiIlQther to facilitate shuttle replenishment.

Another object is to provide in a device of th kind referred to, a single transferrer arm for the fresh bobbin.

Another object is to provide a loom replenishing mechanism in combination with laterally movable shuttle compartments in which the shuttles are replenished at their normal weaving positions. 7

Another object is to provide a double shuttle replenishing loom having shuttle receiving compartmentswhich are closely adjacent during normal weaving and which during replenishing individually maintain their near or remote spacing from a single transferrer arm. I

' Another object is to provide a bobbin replenishing mechanism suitable for use on shifting shuttle box looms.

Another object is to provide a simple feeler arrangement on weft exhaustion detecting looms in which the feeler will initiate the movement of other loom parts such as conventional stop mechanism or replenishing mechanism to facilitate weft replenishment.

Another object is to provide a feeler and pusher actuator combination in which the actuator is moved in synchronism with the shifting shuttle compartments so that it will actuate the feeler for movement into a shuttle coming into active position and not when the shuttle is leaving its active position.

These and other objects of invention will be manifest from a consideration of the followin description, claims and drawings in which:

Fig. I is a diagrammatic view of the loom and shows the general combination of parts including a shifting shuttle box, replenishing mechanism and the interconnecting control arrangements. Some parts are omitted or are merely indicated for the sake of clarity, and the selector shaft mechanism has been lowered somewhat to illustrate the lay structure positioned rearwardly of it.

Fig. II is a side elevational view of the replenishing side of the loom, showing one of the two solenoids which actuate individual hooks connected to the selector mechanism.

Fig. III is a side elevation partly in section of the shuttle compartments and mechanism for moving them selectively. The shuttles are shown in phantom slightly outwardly of their actual position. I

Fig. IV is a detail assembly of the selector shaft mechanism.

Fig. V shows the means on the selector shaft operating the picker spindle dagger.

Fig. VI shows the latching and releasing mechanism for the selector mechanism.

Fig. VII shows the wiring and solenoid arrangement for the feeler mechanism.

Fig. VIII shows the feelers and a movable feeler actuator on the frame which moves the feelers of pairs of active shuttles or pairs of shuttles moving into active position.

Fig. IX is a view of the compartment and spindle moving elements as viewed from th back of the loom.

Fig. X is a front view of the selectively movable compartments, spindle and pickers. It shows the lay cut away to facilitate egress of the outgoing bobbins.

Fig. XI is a perspective view illustrating the action of the solenoids and selector shaft moving mechanism.

-Referring to the drawing, Figs. I and II show a loom frame [0. a movable lay II on which is mounted a reed I2, shifting shuttle boxes I3 and swords 22 and 22A on shaft 23 support the lay.

Swords 22A form gear housings near their tops as will be more fully described.

Referring to the replenishing side of Fig. I, a selector shaft assembly 24 is the setting means for the actuators of the shuttle compartments, the picker spindle and the means for imparting a long or short stroke to the transferrer. The selector shaft is shown somewhat below its actual position to better illustrate the lay construction.

As will be seen from Fig. II, two rack members 25 and 21 are connected to the selectively movable compartments near their outer ends. The spring included unit 29, fixed to the loom as at 30, is the return means for the lower compartment. A similar spring return means, Fig. IX, is provided for the upper compartment.

Two solenoids 32 and 34 are electrically connected to the feelers and each controls one of the lifting rods 36 and 38. The rods 36 and 38 are normally in lowered position, but are individually raised through energizing of the solenoids.

Weighted pivoted levers 40 and 42 connect the rods 36 and 38 to the solenoids. During normal loom operation the rods 36 and 38 are positioned under movable cam and hook levers 44 and 46 secured to extension 50 on solenoid supporting bracket 52.

When one of the solenoids 32 and 34 is energized by the call for replenishment, rod 36 or 38 is raised and moves the corresponding lever 44 or 46 into the path of hooks 54 and 56 which are fixed to the underside of the lay. These hooks 54 and 56 are spaced rearwardly and forwardly as well as laterally. Hence, when they engage hook levers '44- or 46, the bell crank lever 58, pivotally fixed at 60 will be moved depending upon which of the levers 44 and 46 has been engaged by a hook on the underside of the lay. When both are raised, the bell crank 58 will receive the longer of the two movements. In any of these events, the link 62 connected to lever 64 will move one or the other selected extent to set the selector shaft assembly 24.

The selector shaft 66 is conveniently journaled at brackets 68 and I fixed to the underside of the frame I0. A latching hook I2 (Fig. VI), having a stop tail I4 is pivoted at I in bracket I6 and rests in its down position because of its weighted portion II. The hook I2 is adapted to latch with either projection I8 or 19 depending on the amount of movement given shaft 66 after the call for replenishment. A release projection 80 on the latch I2 is engaged by the hook dagger 8| which moves in contact with bunter 82 (Fig. I) as the lay moves toward front center. This hook dagger 6| actuates the bobbin magazine feed release and the cutters (not shown) for the old weft in the first portion of its movement and then engages extension 80 near the end of its movement to reset the selector mechanism 24. While the feed release and cutters per se need not be novel and may be actuated as by a centrally pivoted lever connected at one end to the dagger 8|, it is to be noted, that the operation and normal positions of these parts are completely compatible with the present improvements. The operation of the old weft cutters, for example, may be similar to Fig. II of prior patent to Bird et al. 2,111,526. It will be noted that the compartment for the shuttle which is not to be replenished will have been rearwardly moved before the lay reaches front center.

Referring to Fig. IV, 84 is the supporting arm for projections I8 and 19; The arm 84 is integral with collar 85 and its sleeve extension 88 to which the collar 81 is fixed. This collar 81 is connected to member 88 loose on sleeve 86 by a spring 88 as shown.

Considering the selector shaft assembly, Fig. IV, the shaft 66 has fixed thereto end collar 68, stop collar 9I, equipped with stop 8IA, actuator collar 92 and end collar 93, integral with which is a weft end release control unit actuator 94 to operate as set forth in Hewton Patent 2,250,866. The projection BIA on collar 9| moves the collar 85 in one direction when member 62 rotates the shaft 66. The weights of collar 85 and of the bell crank mechanism 58 are so proportioned that they return to inactive position when re- I leased by their latches and actuator.

The collar 85 has an arm 95, on one side o which roller projection 96 acts as a lifting member for the transferrer dagger 205 (Fig. VI), which is moved to two different heights depending upon the extent to which shaft 66 is turned. The dagger 205 is pivotally connected to the pendent portion 206 (Figs. I and VI) of the operating arm 20'! for the transferrer 'I5A, said arm being fulcrumed on a fixed pivot 208. Another roller projection 81 functions as a transferrer stop cable actuator in a known manner and as shown in Fig. VI of prior patent to Bird et al., 2,136,331. The transferrer actuator may be mounted on the lay as in prior Patent 2,111,526 or independently of the lay as described in detail in Hewton Patent 2,194,655. The bunters I00 and IOI (Fig. II) are shown as mounted on the ram portion I02 of such an independent actuator 209 connected to a rocker arm A spring 2 acts upon rocker arm M0 to keep a roller 2 I2 thereon in engagement with a rotary cam 2I3 on the crank shaft 2I4 of the loom. As shown in Fig. VI, the dagger 205 is subject to the influence of a spring 2| 5 whereby it is yieldingly held elevated normally with the tail portion 205a. thereof engaging the roller projection 86 on arm 95.

Roller projection I03 on spring controlled collar 88 is mounted on an arm I04. This projection I03 lifts the releasing dagger BI (Fig. VI) which in turn moves the cutters inwardly, actuates the feed magazine and releases the selector mechanism as above described. A short projection I05 (Figs. IV and V) on collar 88 is the setting means for the picker spindle controlling dagger I06. This dagger I06 is pivoted on the loom frame I0 at I01 and rests in a lower inactive .position. A stop portion I08 limits the downward rotation of the dagger.

At the end of the sleeve 86, a shuttle compartment dagger control collar I 09 is fixedly mounted. The collars 81 and I08 are both fixed to the sleeve. Spring 89 is under coil tension and holds a projection on collar 88 in contact with stop I I0 on collar I08 in the manner of a common type 7 clutch. The projection I03 lifts dagger 8| the same amount either extent of movement of the bell crank 58. The dagger 6| moves up to stop I II (Fig. VI) and further movement of the collar I09 causes the stop IIO to move away from engagement with the collar 88 until the resetting operation takes place. It will be noted that the releasing dagger 8I and the spindle control dagger I06 operate on each call for replenishment and always receive the same extent of movement.

The shuttle chmpartment operating daggers H2 and H4 are pivotally secured at II6 to a bracket H8 on the loom frame I0. One or the other becomes effective to move a selected shuttle compartment. In the illustrated embodiment the compartment moved is not the compartment in which replenishment is effected.

The daggers H2 and H4 are bifurcated and differ slightly from each other (Fig. VI) at the ends of their short arms. Both daggers H2 and H4 are controlled by an extension member I20 pivoted on collar I09. A light spring I22 normally holds the extension in position against stop I24 as shown. The extension I20 may yield and pass under the end of dagger II2 during the resetting operation. Dagger H4 is hooked at its end so as to provide a stop at the end of the longer movement of the member I20. This stop is not essential to operation.

When a short stroke of the transferrer is to be made, only dagger I I2 will be lifted to a notch engaging position. When the longer stroke for bottom shuttle replenishment is made, the dagger II2 will be raised and lowered. On this same long stroke, dagger I I4 is also raised and is held in raised position until it is engaged by a notch of the shuttle compartment actuator mechanism on the lay of the loom.

The removable shuttle compartments (Figs. 1, II, IX and X) and lay carried actuating members are compactly arranged. The actuating members move the picker spindle and the compartment selected for movement on each call for replenishment.

It will be seen fromFig. IX that this mechanism Includes three notched dagger engaging gear members I25, I26 and I21. Each of these members are pivoted about a shaft and each constitutes a partial gear. Movement of member I25 by dagger II4 causes withdrawal of the upper compartment I28 and-member I21 when engaged by dagger I06 controls the withdrawal of the picker spindle I30.

The replenishing side of the lay is cut away as at I3I (Fig. X) to provide a spent bobbin passage during the replenishing operation. Shuttle compartments I28 and I29 have short front faces I34 and I35 behind which the shuttles I and III are boxed as the weaving progresses. The bottom compartment is moved rearwardly and downwardly over the surface shown at I36 (Figs. III and X) and along guides I31. The top compartment is guided rearwardly and upwardly on the cantilever like ledge I 38 which is integral with the lay I0. The ledge I38 supports the back pore and that the picker spindle I30 pivots out of alignment with the incoming bobbin or other weft supply.

The rear sides of the top and bottom compart: ments I28 and I29 are fixedly secured near their ends to racks 25 and 21 (Figs. 1H and IX). The picker spindle I30 is fixed at both ends to the bracket I42 which is pivoted to the lay at I42A. A loose pinned linkage connection comprising links I43, I44 and I45 is joined to the inner end of bracket I42, and to a fixed lever I46 on the sleeve shaft I41 mounted about shaft I56. Movement of the sleeve shaft I41 is normally resisted by coil spring I48 Joined to the sleeve shaft I 41 and to a bracket I50 on a fixed portion of the lay. Turning of the sleeve shaft I41 and withdrawal of the picker spindle I30 by a pivotal movement is effected by dagger I06 (Fig. V) engaging the notch at one end of partial gear I21 as the lay moves forwardly on a replenishing stroke. Gear portion I5I rotates gear I53 on each replenishing stroke.

As the lay moves rearwardly after movement of the picker spindle, the spindle is returned to nor-- mal weaving position by action of'the spring I48. The picker I32 being positioned close to the pivot point I42A of bracket I42 does not move appreciably and all that is required to take care of this slight movement is that the picker be loosely guided at its bottom I 51.

Each of the shafts I55 and I56 have gears such as I60, I6I, I62 and I63 for meshing with the racks 25 and 21 to move the selected compartment against the action of the return spring mechanism 29. The particular compartment moved depends upon which of the sector gears I25 or I26 engages its actuating dagger H4 or II2. When the call for replenishment requires transfer of a new weft supply into a shuttle I10 in the lower compartment I29, the notch in the lower portion of partial gear member I25 causes tion of the top shuttle compartment and is at all said member to pivot about bottom shaft I 55 and rotate gears I64, I60 and SI. gears engage the racks 25 and withdraw the top compartment I 34 out of alignment with the transferrer and incoming weft supply from the magazine I5.

In a similar manner when a shuttle I" in the upper compartment I28 is to be replenished, the lower compartment I29 is withdrawn by engagement of the dagger II2 with the notch of member I26. This causes member I26 to pivot about upper shaft I56 and to rotate gears I65, I62 and I63. The gears I62 and I63 engage the racks 21 and withdraw the bottom I29 out of alignment with the transferrer and outgoing spent bobbin.

The shafts I55 and I56 are journaled in the end housing portions I15 and I16 of the lay swords 22A; These housings contain the gears I60, I6I, I62 and I63 and serve as guides for racks 25 and 21 when a compartment containing a shuttle is being moved.

The replenishing side includes shuttle checking swells (not shown) on the rear side of the box of the compartments, and the loom may be equipped with the usual protector, stop and controlling motions usually employed on double shuttle looms.

The shifting shuttle box side of the loom, Figs. I and VIII, is equipped with a group of vertically shifting shuttle boxes I3 and means for moving them up or down a distance of two compartment heights in one operation. This is done to present a difierent pair of shuttles to active position after each movement of the shuttle boxes. The boxes I3 are mounted on the lay as is usual. Weft exhaustion The latter two each include an electrical sealing-in contact (not shown) of conventional design. The magnet of this type solenoid electrically seals itself in holding position after momentary circuit closing. The

exposes a metal ferrule ring on the bobbin to com-- plate a circultin a manner well known to the weaving art. The circuit illustrated in Fig. VII is novel, however, as is the feeler actuator and its control.

Fig. VIII shows the relative position of parts when the two shuttles of the upper pair of boxes are in active weaving position. As the lay moves forwardly the pusher plate I82 mounted on fixed bracket I9'I, as shown, meets head I83 of feeler assembly I80 to compress the spring I85 and feel for the supply of weft in both active shuttles. If the approach of weft exhaustion is detected, solenoid 32 or 34 is energized to initiate replenishing action after the next-pick of these shuttles. If it so happens that weft exhaustion, which is detected close to front center, occurs after the pick immediately preceding a change of active shuttles, the pair of incoming shuttles will be felt by feeler group I8I. The shuttles moving to inactive position will not be felt for weft exhaustion until they are again about to become active.

This feature of the present improvements complished as follows:

The shifting of the boxes begins as the lay is moving forwardly in a known manner as by acrods 36 or 38 will accordingly remain in raised position until the magnets seal is broken by the cam surface 45 or 41 pressing down on the rod as the lever 44 or 46 is moved in engagement with hook 54 or 56 on the underside of the lay II.

Actually the contact between the feelers and the ferrule ring on the bobbin is more than momentarily and it continues for a short period after tuator I'I connected to the give-way box support I8. Either upward or downward movement of the shifting boxes causes roller I90 on extension I9I to rock the pivoted cam-like member I92 on its fixed bracket I92A. If the movement of ,the boxes is to be upward, the end of the cam lever I92 will move the inside actuating portion of push pull cable I 93 and will draw the pusher I82 downwardly as the boxes are moving up into active weaving position. As soon as the roller I90 passes the cam lever I92, the spring I95 will bring the pusher I82 back to its central position. The action of boxes coming into action from above is just the reverse. In this case spring I96 instead of spring I95 is compressed and then returns the pusher I82 to its normal central position. The

pusher I82, and springs I95, I96 are mounted on a fixed portion I9'I of the loom frame I0 and forwardlyof the lay. The push pull cable I93 connects the pusher I82 to cam lever I92. The bracket I92A is fixed to a collar 200 on the shaft 23. The collar 200 and bracket I92A reciprocate or oscillate with the lay, but do not move vertically with the shiftin boxes I3.

The push pull cable I93 contains sufficient slack to allow for the relative movement between the layand the front portion of the frame I0. The amount of slack does not effect the operation of the cable as will be understood. It is believed to be broadly new to provide a feeler control which is responsive to the shifting of shuttle boxes in a manner to move into the path of the feeling unit of an incoming box, and then return to a center position for controlling action during normal weaving. 7

Fig. VII shows the eight terminals, two for each box or shuttle. Four of the terminals are connected together. The top and bottom shuttle terminals of the other four are connected as shown so that if contact is established through any pair of terminals one or the other or both solenoids 32 or 34 will be energized. The solenoids 32 and 34 the lay starts back. By a proper proportion of parts the sealing-in and camming feature above described could be eliminated. It is the preferred practice, however and greatly increases the flexibility of design.

Operation Replenishment normally takes place after the first pick following the detection of weft exhaustion. As previously stated, weft detection is confined to shuttles in the active weaving positions or shuttles which are being shifted into active weavin position immediately prior to being picked through the superposed weaving sheds. When substantial weft exhaustion in one of the active shuttles (top shuttle for example) is de- Y tected, the circuit including the solenoid 32 is energized. Energizing of this solenoid 32 causes the rod 36 to lift; hook lever 44 as in Fig. XI, into position for engaging the hook 54 as the lay moves rearwardly. The solenoid 32 is reset as this rearward movement continues.

The selector shaft 66 is also moved the shorter of its two extents. Movement of the selector shaft is accomplished through the bell crank 58 and link 62. The projection I8 engages latch I2 on this rearward lay movement.

This movement of the selector. shaft 66 causes daggers I06 and II! to be moved into alignment with the notches on I26 and I21 with the result that the spindle I30 and the lower compartment are withdrawn from alignment with the top compartment. The transferrer dagger (not shown) engages the bunter I00 of the ram I02 to give the transferrer its shorter stroke as it introduces a bobbin into a shuttle of the top compartment. After engagement of the daggers and the lay carried means, the selector shaft is unlatched by hook dagger 8I as it is pushed by bunter 82 on the lay as the lay is moving forwardly. This resets the selector shaft. On the ensuing rearward lay motion, the spindle I30 and lower box I29 return to normal Weaving position by spring pressure and the weaving proceeds without interruption as before.

The automatic operation for replenishment of the bottom shuttle is similar. In this case the solenoid 34 is energized and electrically sealed in until cammed to release position by the hook lever 46. This operation resets the solenoid 34.

The selector shaft 66 is moved the greater of its two extents and the projection I9 engages the latch I2 on the rearward movement of the lay. This longer movement of the selector shaft causes daggers I06 and H4 to be moved into alignment with the notches on members I25 and I2! to withdraw. the top compartments and the spindle I30. As will be understood, the bunter IIII of the ram I02 becomes aligned with the transferrer dagger for the longer stroke. The resetting of the selector shaft mechanism is as described above.

When as occasionally occurs, exhaustion of two picked across the loom and replenished on its next return to: he replenishing side. There is suflicient weft on the bobbings after detection to allow for this operation.

Refering to Fig. X, it will be seen thata space between the front of the upper andthe lower compartments has been shown. This space provides a thread passage for the thread of the new bobbin which is held at one side of the loom in a usual manner. The spacing of the compartments permits the return of the top compartment and the laying of the first pick of the new bobbin without any interference.' The bottom of the top compartment merely functions as a guide for the new yarn from the weft holding means on the first pick subsequent to replenishment.

The structure and operation of the improvements will be clear from the above description. A number of advantages, however, result from the ability to use the invention in cooperation with other conventional loom mechanisms. For

example, the openings 202 and 203 of the shuttle compartment front plates I34 and I35 are pro-' vided for entry and cam actuation of the cutters as in the prior patent referred to. The withdrawal of one compartment insures that cutting out takes place only in the shuttle positioned in the compartment which is aligned with the transferrer.

Similarly, the improvements are readily adapt- 4o able to increasing the number of pairs of shifting shuttle boxes l3. All that is required is the provision of another roller similar to roller l9. and properly spaced vertically therefrom.

While the invention has been explained in connection with the illustrated embodiment, it will be seen that the selectively movable compartments provide a mechanism which is adaptable for use with different types of feeler controls,

or weft supply measuring controls; that certain advantages are included which are beneficial for manual replenishment when this is necessary or desirable. It will further be seen that the flexibility of operation of double shuttle automatic looms has been greatly increased by the present improvements.

The invention has been described in connection with a preferred illustrated-embodiment. I do not, however, wish to be limited thereby, but only by the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom. a replenishing mechanism on one side of the loom, picking means for simultaneously moving 12 direction, two superposed shuttle compartments on the replenishing side of the loom, and means for temporarily moving the compartments out I partment.

3 In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom, picking means for simultaneously moving a pair of shuttles across the loom in the same direction, superposed shuttle compartments, means for temporarily moving the compartments out of supenposed relation, a weft supply indicating means for each of the shuttles of the pair, weft replenishing means on one side of the loom only including transferrer means for inserting a new weft supply from above into a depleted shuttle held in one of the compartments during thetime of displacement of one movable compartment relative to the other, and means for returning the movable compartment to superposed position relative to the other. after weft replenishment.

4. In a method of refilling shuttles of a double shuttle loom having a replenishing means at one side thereof only, without removing a shuttle from its box compartment, the steps which consist of maintaining a pair of shuttles in vertically spaced alignment as they move back and forth together across the loom during normal weaving, determining the time for supplying a new weft to the individual shuttles, moving the shuttle which does not require replenishment out of alignment with the depleted shuttle, and pressing a used bobbin downwardly from and injecting a new bobbin from the replenishing means into the depleted shuttle during the period of relative disalignment of the two shuttles, and returning the moved shuttle to vertical alignment.

5. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom, a replenishing mechanism on one side of the loom, picking means for simultaneously moving a pair of shuttles across the loom, two superposed laterally movable shuttle compartments on the replenishing side of the loom and means for moving either of the compartments out of superposed a pair of shuttles across the loom, two superposed compartment without interference from another 7 shuttle or shuttle compartment.

2. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom, weft replenishing means on one side of the loom only, picking means for simultaneously moving a pair of shuttles across the loom in the same relation so that a shuttle may be replenished in either compartment without interference from another shuttle or shuttle compartment.

6. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom,

a replenishing transferrer on one side of the loom, means for simultaneously moving a pair of shuttles across the loom, two superposed laterally movable shuttle compartments on the replenishing side of the loom and means for moving either of the compartments out of superposed relation, means for giving the replenishing transferrer either of two extents of movement whereby a new weft supply may be introduced into a shuttle in either compartment without interference from another shuttle or shuttle compartment.

'7. The combination set forth in claim 6 further characterized in that the new weft supply is introduced in the shuttle from above and that the two superposed shuttle compartments are mounted on the lay.

8. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom, means for moving a pair of shuttles simultaneously across the loom, superposed shuttle compartments, each of which is laterally movable relatively to the other, a weft supply indicating means for each of the shuttles of the pair, means initiated by the indicating means for making a selected relative movement of the compartments,

13. transferrer means for inserting a new weft supply in a shuttle held in one of the compartments after the selected relative movement of the compartments, and means for returning the compartments to their superposed positions after weft transfer.

9. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom, having a magazine for bobbins and a bobbin transferrer, means for moving a pair of shuttles simultaneously across the loom from the same side, superposed shuttle compartments, each of which is laterally movable relatively to the other, a weft supply indicating means for each of the shuttles of the pair, means initiated by the supply indicating means for making a selected relative movement of the compartments, means for giving the transferrer either of two extents of movement to transfer a weft supply into a shuttle in one of the compartments, and means for returning the compartments to their superposed positions after weft transfer.

10. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom, picking means, two superposed shuttle receiving compartments normally in alignment with the picking means during weaving and a bobbin transfer mechanism on one side of the loom, means to selectively move either of the shuttle compart ments both toward and in a direction away from replenishing alignment with the bobbin transfer means, and means for determining which one compartment is to be in replenishing alignment with the bobbin transfer mechanism at the time of weft replenishment, said means for selectively moving the shuttle compartment being activated by said determining means to move the other one shuttle compartment in a direction away from replenishment alignment prior to replenishment.

11. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom,

means or picking a pair of shuttles simultaneously across the loom, superposed shuttle receiving compartments on one side of the loom, each of said superposed compartments being separately and individually movable relative to the other, weft supply indicating means for each of the shuttles of the pair, means initiated by the indicating means for selectively moving one or the other of the compartments out of superposed position and means to insert a new weft supply in a shuttle held in one of the compartments after indication of need for a new weft supply and movement of the selected compartment.

12. The combination set forth in claim 11 further characterized in that the pair of shuttles are simultaneously picked from the same side of the loom.

13. The combination set forth in claim 11 further characterized in that the insertion of a new weft supply is effected into a shuttle of a compartm'ent which has not been moved.

14. The combination set forth in claim 11' further characterized in that the movement of the shuttle compartment is laterally of the length of the compartment. 7

15. In a method of supplving new weft bobbins to shuttles of double shuttle looms without removing a shuttle from its box compartment, the steps which consist of maintaining a pair of shuttles in spaced vertical alignment as they move back and forth across the loom during weaving, said spacing being has than the thickness of a bobbin, determining the time for supplying a new weft in each of the shuttles, subsequently disaligning the two shuttles when they reach one side of the loom, pressing a new supply of weft 14 into one of the shuttles and returning the shuttles to their normal spaced vertical alignment.

16. In a method of supplying new weft to shuttles of double shuttle looms without removing a shuttle from its compartment, the steps which consist of maintaining a pair of shuttles in closely spaced vertical alignment as they move across the loom and into and out of shuttle compartments during weaving, determining the time for supplying a new weft in each of the shuttles, subsequently disaligning the two shuttles by movement of a shuttle receiving compartment, pressing a new supply of -weft from above into the shuttle which has not been moved and returning the moved shuttle and compartment to its normal weaving alignment.-

17. In a method of refilling any of the shuttles of a shifting shuttle box loom without stopping.

the loom, the steps which consist of moving the shifting shuttle boxes, two at a time during weaving to present shuttles in pairs to the weaving level, picking said shuttles across the loom in pairs while the shuttles remain at the weaving level, checking the pair of shuttles in vertical alig ent on the side of the loom opposite to the shifti shuttle boxes, selecting one .or the other of the huttles for movement and moving the selected checked shuttle out of its vertical alignment position with the other shuttle, pressing a weft supply into the shuttle which has not been moved and then returning the selected shuttle to its normal vertical alignment weaving position.

18. In a method of refilling shuttles of double shuttle looms without removing a shuttle from its box compartment, the steps which consist of maintaining a pair of shuttles in vertically spaced positions as they move back and forth together across the loom during normal weaving, selecting one or the other of the shuttles for movement, moving the selected shuttle out of its superposed position relative to the other shuttle. then simultaneously pressing a used bobbin from and injecting a new bobbin into a shuttle, and then returning the selected shuttle to its normal weaving vertically spaced position.

19. The method set forth in claim 18 further characterized in that the movement of the selected shuttle is laterally of the other shuttle and in a path which forms an angle with the horizontal plane.

20. In a method of refilling shuttles-of double shuttle looms without removing a shuttle from its box compartment, the steps which consist of maintaining a pair of shuttles in vertically spaced positions as they move together across the loom from the same side during weaving, selecting one of the shuttles, moving the selected shuttle laterally out of its normal position relative to the other shuttle, introducing a new weft supply into ashuttle, and then returning the selected shuttle to its normal weaving position, subsequently moving the other shuttle laterally out of its normal position and introducing a new weft supply into a shuttle and then returning the moved shuttle back to its normal weaving position.

21. In a double shuttle loom, a set of shifting shuttle boxes containing shuttle compartments for boxing vertically slotted shuttles having an opening in a side wall, means for shifting the shuttle boxes up and down two compartments at a time as the weaving progresses, feeler mechanism for entering through the side walls of the shuttle for indicating the approach of weft exhaustion in a shuttle in a compartment and means initiated by said feeler mechanism for aa'muo for indicating they need of weft replenishment in' a shuttle in the compartments, and weft replenishing means controlled by said indicating means for introducing a new weft supply into a shuttle after the need for replenishment has been indicated.

23. The combination set forth in claim 22 further characterized in that the weft supply indicating means includes a feeler which enters the shuttle through one side wall.

24. In a double shuttle bobbin replenishing loom a set of shifting shuttle boxes having shuttle compartments on one side of the loom for boxing vertically slotted shuttles in the compart ments, means for shifting the shuttle boxes up or down two compartments at a time, means for simultaneously picking a pair of shuttles across the loom, indicating means to indicate theneed of weft replenishment in a'shuttle in a compartment, bobbin replenishing means on the side of the loom opposite the shifting shuttle boxes, said replenishing means including a bobbin magazine, a bobbin transferrer and mechanism for moving the bobbin transferrer either of two extents to effect bobbin weft replenishment at either of two shuttle levels.

25. In a double shuttle bobbin replenishing loom a set of shifting shuttle boxes having shuttle compartments on one side of the loom for boxing vertically slotted shuttles in the compartments, means for shifting the shuttle boxes up or down two compartments at a time, means for simultaneously picking a pair of shuttles across the loom from the same side, indicating means to indicate the need of weft replenishment in a shuttle in a compartment, bobbin replenishing means on the side of the loom opposite the shifting shuttle boxes, said replenishing means ineluding a bobbin magazine, a bobbin transferrer and mechanism for moving the bobbin transferrer either of two extents to effect bobbin weft replenishment at either of two shuttle levels.

26. The combination set forth in claim 25 further characterized in that the replenishing side of the loom has two compartments which are laterally movable relatively to each other, and means for effecting the lateral movement prior to replenishment whereby bobbin replenishment may be effected without interference from another shuttle or shuttle compartment.

27. In a-double shuttle loom, a set of shifting shuttle boxes having compartments for presenting and removing pairs of shuttles to and from active weaving position, weft supply feelers, means including a pusher member for pushing a feeler into a compartment which is in active position to detect the presence or absence of a suillcient supply of weft in a shuttle within the compartment, said pusher member being normally out of alignment with a feeler for an inactive compartment, and means for moving the pusher member into alignment with, the last named feeler as its compartment approaches active position from either direction. I

28. In a weft replenishing loom, a movable lay, a set of shifting shuttle boxes having compartments for presenting and removing shuttles to and from active weaving position, weft supply feelers on the lay for a shuttle in each compartment, means on a fixed portion of the loom, including a movable pusher member for pushing a feeler into a compartment which is in active weaving position, said pusher being normally out of alignment with a feeler for an inactive compartment, and means for moving the pusher member into alignment with the last named feeler as its compartment approaches active posi-,

7 tion from either direction.

29. In a doubleshuttle weft replenishing loom, means for picking a pair of shuttles simultaneously across e loom, superposed shuttle "reeeiving compartments on the replenishing side of the loom, said superposed compartments being individually and laterally movable out of their superposed positions,,feeler means for indicating the necessity of making a bobbin transfer into either shuttle, means operatively connected with the feeler for movingone or the other of the compartments laterally out of superposed position dependent on which shuttle is to be replenished and means for introducing a new weft supply into the proper shuttle.

30. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom, a movable lay, means for picking a pair of shuttles simultaneously from the same side back and forth across the loom, superposed shuttle receiving compartments on one side of the loom, said superposed compartments being individually and laterally movable out of their normal weaving positions, means for determining a weft replenishment requirement in either one of said shuttles, means operatively connected with the determining means for moving one or the other of the compartments out of normal weaving position after the need for replenishment has been determined and bobbin transferrer means for introducing a new bobbin into the shuttle which is in the compartment which has not been moved.

31. The combination set forth in claim 30 further characterized in that the lateral movement 'is inclined upwardly for the top compartment able shuttle compartments on the lay, guide means to direct the lateral movement of each compartment, a bobbin magazine and bobbin transferrer on a fixed portion of the loom, means for moving the bobbin transferrer either of two extents of movement, weft exhaustion detecting means, selector mechanism set by the weft detecting means, means on the lay for engaging portions of the set selector mechanism to move a selected compartment prior to bobbin replenishment and means for moving another portion of the selector mechanism to give the transferrer a selected extent of movement.

34. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom of the bobbin changing type, a movable lay, a

76 pair of superposed laterally and relatively mov- 17 able shuttle compartments on the lay, guide means to direct the lateral movement of each compartment, a bobbin magazine and bobbin transferrer on a fixed portion of the loom, means for moving the bobbin transferrer either 'of two extents of movement, said transferrer and movable compartments being in weft replenishment alignment during a part of each loom cycle in normal weaving, weft exhaustion detectin means, selector mechanism set by the weft exhaustion detecting means, means on the lay for engaging portions of the set selector mechanism to move a selected compartment prior to bobbin 1 replenishment and means for moving another portion of the selector mechanism to give the transferrer a selected extent of movement.

35. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom of the bobbin changing type, amovable lay, a pair of superposed laterally and relatively movable shuttle compartments on the lay, means on the lay for moving one shuttle compartment out of alignment relative to the other shuttle compartment when weft replenishment is required in such other compartment, guide means to direct the lateral movement of each compartment, a bobbin magazine and bobbin transferrer on a fixed portion of the loom, means for moving the bobbin transferrer to either of two extents, selector mechanism for the bobbin transferrer means. said transferrer and movable compartments being in weft replenishment alignment during a part of each loom cycle in normal weaving, weft exhaustion detecting means, means selected by the detecting means for operation by the lay to actaute the selector mechanism for impartation of different extents of movement to the transferrer as the lay approaches front center, to transfer a filled bobbin into the shuttle in that compartment which has not been laterally moved from its normal position on the lay.

36. The combination set forth in claim 35 further characterized in that the shuttle compartments are closely spaced and that the top compartment is supported at points which are outside the path of an incoming or outgoing bobbin at all times.

37. The combination set forth in claim 35 further characterized in that the means on the lay for actuating the shuttle compartments includes a rack and gear for each compartment.

38. The combination set forth in claim 35 further characterized in that the means on the lay for actuating the shuttle compartments includes a rack and a gear for each compartment, said gear being mounted on a shaft capable of rotation in two directions.

39. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom of the bobbin changing type, a movable lay, a pair of superposed laterally and relatively movable shuttle compartments on the lay means for moving either of the compartments, guide means to direct the lateral movement of each compartment, a bobbin magazine and bobbin transferrer on a fixed portion of the loom, means for moving the bobbin transferrer either of two extents of movement, said transferrer and movable boxes being in weft replenishing alignment during a part of each loom cycle in normal weaving, weft exhaustion detecting means; selector mechanism set by the weft exhaustion detecting means, said selector mechanism including a selector shaft and means on the selector shaft which is capable of two extents of motion, means for latching the said means on the selector shaft after either extent of motion, means on the lay for engaging either of two portions of the said selector mechanism to move the means on the selector shaft a predetermined extent into a latching position to set the means for moving a compartment and to determine the extent of the transferrer stroke and means for unlatching the means on the selector shaft after replenishment.

40. The combination set forth in claim 36, further characterized in that the means for moving the shuttle compartments include two daggers selectively set to function by the means on the selector shaft.

41. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom, a replenishing mechanism on one side of the loom, two special shuttle compartments positioned in superposed relation on the replenishing side, a support for the top compartment, means for moving the top compartment on the support. said support being near the rear of the top compartment and wholly outside the path of operation of the replenishing mechanism, whereby a thread passage 'is provided between the two spaced compartments.

42. In a double shuttle weft replenishing loom, a replenishing mechanism on one side of the loom, picking means for simultaneously moving a pair of shuttles across the loom, two superposed movable shuttle compartments on the replenishing side of the loom, a two stroke transferrer arm on the replenishing mechanism, means for moving the transferrer either of two selected extents of movement, a selector mechanism, said selector mechanism having a separate latching connection for controlling the extent of stroke of the transferrer and the movement of the movable compartments, said latching connection for the longer stroke acting prior to the latching connection for the shorter stroke, whereby if exhaustion is detected in both shuttles on the same pick the lower shuttle will be replenished first.

WILLIAM R. HEWTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,674,871 Nelson June 26, 1928 1,703,909 Turner Mar. 5, 1929 1,873,108 Brown Aug. 23, 1932 2,065,770 Turner Dec. 29, 1936 2,194,655 Hewton Mar. 26,1940 

